Decentralized Autonomous Organizations (DAOs) under English law

Abstract

The paper discusses whether and to what extent the key constituencies of a ‘typical’ DAO can be qualified as a partnership under English law. It explores the defining features of a ‘typical’ DAO and its key constituencies; gives a brief overview of the various types of business organisation available under English law; addresses the question of private international partnership law; and then analyses whether the key stakeholder constituencies in a DAO meet the conditions set out in the Partnership Act 1890 for qualifying as a partnership.